Let’s dive straight into making a delicious bowl of Iraqi Lentil Soup that’s perfect for any occasion. Grab your ingredients below!
Ingredients (Serves 4-6 people)
- 1 medium onion, chopped (adds sweetness and depth)
- 1 large carrot, chopped (for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 fresh tomato, chopped (the juicier, the better)
- 1 cup of lentils (Red or yellow works best)
- 2 tbsp of rice (for added creaminess)
- 1 tsp whole cumin seeds (for earthy warmth)
- 1/2 tsp turmeric (for colour and subtle flavour)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 5 cups of water (adjust for desired consistency)
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil for sauteing
- Fresh parsley to garnish
Method
- Prep your ingredients: Chop your onion, carrot, and tomato into small, bite-sized pieces. This will help them cook evenly and release their flavours more effectively
- Saute the Onions: In a large pot, heat a generous drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add your chopped onions and let them soften, stirring occasionally. Pro tip: Cook them until they’re translucent for the perfect sweet base
- Add Carrots and Tomato: Throw in the carrots and tomatoes. Let them mingle with the onions, stirring for about 5 minutes. This will break down the tomatoes slightly, releasing their juicy goodness.
- Spice it Up: Add in the whole cumin seeds, turmeric, and black pepper. Stir everything together until your kitchen is filled with delightful aroma. Spices should coat the veg well – this step makes all the difference
- Lentils and Rice Join The Party: Pour in your lentils and rice, and mix them with the veg and spices. Ensure every grain is well coated with spice mixture for harmonious taste
- Simmer: Add 5 cups of water and stir everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, not a roaring boil, and let the magic happen. Allow it to cook for about 25-30 minutes or until the lentils and rice are soft and have absorbed the flavours.
- Blend away: Once cooked, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender for a fuss free experience, or carefully transfer the soup to a blender in batches. Blitz until you reach a creamy consistency. Remember, you can adjust the thickness by adding more water if desired
- Season to Taste: Return the soup to the pot (if using standing blender) and bring back to heat gently. Add salt to taste and adjust black pepper if needed. Give it a final stir!
- Garnish and serve: This is optional, but you can garnish with fried onions and freshly chopped parsley for some added texture and flavour.
Enjoy this beautiful bowl of soup with warmed bread or on its own, Bon appetit 🙂
Golden Tanoor 